Portable applicator for applying skin protection fluids

ABSTRACT

A process and apparatus is utilized to dispense a variety of skin protection fluids such as suntan lotions and oils on an individual&#39;s skin depending on the individual&#39;s particular needs or preference. The system applies the lotions and oils directly to the skin and enables an operator of the system to spray the lotions evenly on the individual and especially in hard-to-reach areas of the individual. The method and apparatus of the present invention utilizes an air compressor, pressure containers and spray devices to deliver the lotions and oils. Skin protection fluids having distinct skin protection factors are each stored in individual pressure containers and delivered from the pressure container through the use of an air compressor and an air pressure regulator. A nozzle and flexible hose arrangement is utilized to apply the skin protection fluid onto the individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectivelyapplying a variety of skin protection fluids such as suntan lotions andoils on an individual's skin. The type of skin protection fluid appliedcan be selected from a variety of skin protection fluids havingdifferent SPF factors (skin protection factor).

2. Description of the Related Art

When people are at public bathing areas such as beaches, rivers, pools,etc., proper skin protection lotions and oils are necessary to protectindividuals from harmful rays such as ultraviolet rays from the sun.

When individuals are at a beach, the situation usually arises in whichthe individual may run out of suntan lotion or may not have a suntanlotion which has the specific SPF factor that the individual needs forprotection. When suntan lotion is not readily available, such as onbeaches where there is no convenient access to stores, obtaining abottle of suntan lotion may be burdensome and time consuming. Also, evenif a store is accessible to the beach, the possibility also exists thatthe store may not have the suntan lotion necessary for that specificindividual.

Additionally, in situations where a large family or group of individualsare together on the beach, it is likely that each individual in thefamily or group may require skin protection fluids of different SPFfactors. Accordingly, the family or group will have to carry a bag whichwould include several bottles of skin protection fluid. This may becomecumbersome when travelling to a beach since other accessories such asbeach chairs, towels, umbrellas and coolers also need to be carried.

Also, in applying skin protection fluid to an individual's skin, formaximum protection it is necessary to apply the skin protection fluidover the entire exposed surface area of the individual's skin. If theindividual is alone, this is impossible since an individual cannotadequately apply skin protection fluid onto hard-to-reach areas of hisor her own back. Accordingly, it is necessary to utilize the services ofa second individual to apply the skin protection fluid on hard-to-reachareas such as the back and upper neck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide for anovel method and apparatus for selectively applying a variety of skinprotection fluids on an individual's skin. The application system of thepresent invention selectively dispenses a variety of skin protectionlotions and oils depending on the individual's particular needs orpreference. In view of the health risk involved with prolonged exposureto the sun, the system of the present invention will offer protection toindividuals or groups where none may be available.

The system of the present invention applies skin protection lotions andoils directly to the skin and the operator of the system will be able tospray lotions evenly on the individual, especially in hard-to-reachareas such as the back and neck. This can also be desirable toindividuals having for example, arthritis, since it is very difficultfor individuals having arthritis to reach hard-to-reach areas of his orher body. The system can also be portable which therefore extends therange of the use of the system.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a method for selectivelyapplying a variety of skin protection fluids on an individual's skin.The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of skin protectionfluids having a different skin protection factor in a plurality ofpressure containers such that each pressure container contains adistinct skin protection fluid, each of the pressure containerscomprising an outlet for permitting a discharge of the skin protectionfluid; connecting each of the pressure containers containing the skinprotection fluid to an air compressor, the outlet of each of thepressure containers being operatively connected to an adjustable airpressure regulator for controlling a discharge air pressure from the aircompressor and a control valve for controlling a flow of the skinprotection fluid from the pressure container; fluidly connecting thecontrol valve of each of the pressure containers to a single controlnozzle having an adjustable orifice; selecting a skin protection fluidto be applied to the individual's skin from the plurality of skinprotection fluids in each of the pressure containers; adjusting the airpressure regulator of the pressure container containing the selectedskin protection fluid so as to provide a desired discharge air pressurebased on at least a viscosity of the selected skin protection fluid fordischarging the selected skin protection fluid; opening the controlvalve of the pressure container containing the selected skin protectionfluid to permit a discharge of the selected skin protection fluid; andapplying the selected skin protection fluid on the individual throughthe nozzle.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for applying avariety of skin protection fluids on an individual's skin. The apparatuscomprises a plurality of pressure containers, each one of the pressurecontainers comprising a skin protection fluid having a different skinprotection factor and an outlet for discharging the skin protectionfluids, each of the pressure containers being operatively connected to acontrol valve for controlling a flow of said skin protection fluid fromsaid pressure container; a frame for holding each of the pressurecontainers containing the skin protection fluids; an air compressormounted on the frame, the air compressor being operatively connected toeach of the pressure containers to provide a discharge pressure fordischarging a skin protection fluid from the pressure container throughthe outlet; a single nozzle for applying the skin protection fluiddischarged from the pressure container to an individual's skin, thesingle nozzle having an adjustable orifice and being fluidly connectedto each of the control valves of the pressure containers; and anadjustable pressure regulator operatively connected to each one of thepressure containers for adjusting the discharge pressure from the aircompressor based on at least a viscosity of the skin protection fluidselected to be discharged and applied to the individual's skin, whereina size of the orifice of the nozzle is adjusted based on the selecteddischarge pressure and the selected skin protection fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the frame of the present invention for holdingthe air compressor and the pressure containers containing the skinprotection fluids;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the control valves and nozzle of thepressure containers;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame for holding the air compressorand pressure containers containing the skin protection fluids;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3; and

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the apparatus of the present inventionduring use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and moreparticularly to FIG. 1 thereof, FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatusof the present invention which is utilized to apply skin protectionfluids onto an individual's skin. The apparatus includes a frame 1 forholding a plurality of pressure containers 3. For illustrative purposes,FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 only show a single pressure container, however thenumber of pressure containers to be mounted on the frame is based on theuser's preference. As illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 3, thepressure containers 3 can be positioned within receiving holes 5provided on a shelf 7 of the frame 1. A further shelf 9 can be providedto support each of the pressure containers 3 within the receiving holes5. A bottom shelf 11 can be provided on the frame 1 for supporting anair compressor 15 thereon. To clearly illustrate the mounting of thepressure containers 3 and air compressor 15 on the frame 1, theperspective view of FIG. 3 does not illustrate the fluid interconnectionbetween the elements.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame 1 can include ahandle 60 and can be mounted on all-terrain tires 17 as illustrated inFIG. 4 to permit an individual selling and applying the skin protectionfluids to easily transport the frame with the compressor and pressurecontainers mounted thereon along the sand of a beach.

As noted above, the pressure containers 3 are mounted within the holes 5on the frame 1. The pressure container can be a known pressure containersuch as a pressure container model 80-228 manufactured by BinksManufacturing Company. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pressure container3 includes an outlet 3a and an adjustable pressure regulator 21 having apressure gauge for adjusting the discharge pressure from the aircompressor 15.

An open/close valve 19 corresponding to each of the pressure containerscan be mounted on a further shelf 39 of the frame 1 or can be supportedon the frame 1 through a variety of other known means. A fluidconnection pipe, tube or hose 35 for each of the pressure containers 3connects the outlet 3a of each of the pressure containers 3 to theopen/close valve 19. The open/close valve 19 controls the flow of fluidfrom the pressure container.

The air compressor 15 is mounted on the shelf 11 of the frame 1. Theconnection between the air compressor 15 and pressure containers 3 canbe realized by, for example, a flexible hose, pipe or tube 33 such thatthe connection can be achieved in a known manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the open/close valves 19 are connectedvia a multi-way connection means 37 to a single adjustable controlnozzle 23 having an adjustable orifice through the use of a flexibletube or galvanized pipe 40. The length of the galvanized pipe and tubingis a design consideration and basically depends on the user'spreference.

The frame 1 may also include a hook 27 (FIG. 1) for permitting the pipeor hose 40 which serves as the connection between the adjustable nozzle23 and each of the open/close valves 19 to be wrapped thereon forstorage.

Each of the pressure containers 3 contain a skin protection fluid havinga different skin protection factor. The fluids can be well-known suntanlotions and oils. In the context of the present invention, the applicanthas determined that lotions cannot be delivered through a standardsiphon feed system. Also, although oils could be delivered with a siphonfeed system, the necessary pressure for delivering oil is excessive andmay cause an overspray or uncontrolled dispersion of the product.

The apparatus of the present invention provides for the spraying of adesired skin protection fluid with the lowest possible air pressure.Lower air pressure allows maximum efficiencies and reduces overspray tothereby minimize waste.

In the present invention, a plurality of skin protection fluids havingdifferent skin protection factors can be selectively applied to anindividual by way of a single nozzle 23. Since skin protection lotionsand oils having different skin protection factors are creamy in natureand have different fluid properties and viscosities, it is thereforenecessary to properly control and adjust air pressure and fluid nozzleorifice size based on the selected skin protection fluid. Thisfacilitates the delivery of the selected skin protection fluid. Thefollowing Table I illustrates the range of necessary air pressures andnozzle orifice sizes for delivering skin protection fluid of differentskin protection factors.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                               SOURCE                      NOZZLE                                     PROD-  AIR        TANK AIR PRESSURE                                                                              ORIFICE                                    UCT    PRESSURE   min.     max.      SIZE                                     ______________________________________                                        Sun    120 PSI    45-       60 PSI*  .110 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 2                                                                         Sun    120 PSI    45-      60 PSI    .110 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 4                                                                         Sun    120 PSI    45-      60 PSI    .110 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 6                                                                         Sun    100 PSI    25-      30 PSI    .086 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 8                                                                         Sun    100 PSI    20-      35 PSI    .086 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 15                                                                        Sun    100 PSI    20-      35 PSI    .086 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 30                                                                        Sun    100 PSI    20-      35 PSI    .086 CM                                  lotion                                                                        SPF 40                                                                        Suntan  60 PSI    15-      35 PSI    .040 CM                                  Oil                                                                           SPF 2                                                                         Screen-                                                                       ing                                                                           Lotion                                                                        SPF 30 100 PSI    20-      35 PSI    .070 CM                                  SPF 45 100 PSI    20-      35 PSI    .070 CM                                  Mois-  120 PSI    40-      60 PSI    .110 CM                                  turizing                                                                      Lotion                                                                        ______________________________________                                         *minimum air pressure moves product efficiently                               maximum air pressure is that pressure where product continues to              efficiently move, exceeding maximum air pressure contributes to excessive     overspray and waste of material                                          

In the present invention, the rate of airflow measured in cubic feet perminute and the selected skin protection fluid determines orifice size.In determining the correct orifice size, cubic feet per minute atvarying air pressure was a factor, since failure to use the correctcombination would result in failure to move the product or excessiveoverspray causing waste of the product.

During use, an individual selects a pressure container 3 containing thedesired skin protection fluid that he or she wishes to have applied onhis or her skin. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the operator 50 of theapparatus then adjusts the pressure regulator 21 positioned on theselected pressure container 3 and the nozzle orifice size based on thetype of skin protection factor selected. As already set forth, theabove-noted Table I illustrates the ranges of air pressures and nozzleorifice sizes which are necessary to deliver different kinds of skinprotection fluids. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the user 50thereafter points the nozzle 23 at the individual 55 to be sprayed andopens the open/close valve 19 of the selected container 3 to therebyprovide for an efficient spraying of the skin protection fluid onto theindividual's skin. With the apparatus of the present invention, the usercan apply skin protection fluid on any part of the individual which heor she wishes to have sprayed.

It is noted that an improper air pressure selection or nozzle orificesize can cause waste of the product and too high of an air pressure maycause an uncomfortable sensation on an individual's skin. If theselected pressure is too low, an efficient application of the skinprotection fluid onto the individual's skin could not be achieved. Thepresent invention provides for a range of pressures and orifice sizesbased on the fluid properties, viscosity and creamy nature of each ofthe variety of skin protection fluids to achieve an efficient and properspraying of the skin protection fluid onto the individual's skin.Additionally, the pressures and orifice sizes of the present inventionprovide for a spraying which achieves a cooling sensation on theindividual's skin. The result is an even application of skin protectionfluid on the individual's skin which allows the individual to sunbathe,exercise or swim with full protection from the harmful rays of the sun.

Due to the fact that the frame 1 of the present invention includescontainers having skin protection fluids of different SPF factors, thepresent invention can be used to apply skin protection fluids onnumerous individuals who require skin protection fluids having differentSPF factors.

By mounting the frame on all-terrain tires 17 as illustrated in FIGS. 1and 4, a user of the apparatus of the present invention can transportthe apparatus along the beach and provide individuals on the beach withtheir choice of skin protection fluid in an efficient and effectivemanner. The utilization of the all-terrain tires 17 enables the frame 1to be very mobile even on soft surfaces such as sand. Additionally,although the illustrated frame 1 is capable of holding five pressurecontainers, it is recognized that the frame 1 can be designed to holdany specific number of pressure containers.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for an apparatus and methodfor dispensing a variety of skin protection lotions and oils dependingupon an individual's particular needs or preference. The system applieslotions and oils directly to the skin and an operator of the system willbe able to spray lotions evenly on the individual. An operator will alsobe able to easily apply sun protection lotions and oils ontohard-to-reach areas of an individual such as the individual's back. Thesystem can be utilized in a single station or may be made portable andtransported along different locations of the beach by utilizingall-terrain tires.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed as new and is desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A method for selectively applying a variety ofskin protection fluids on an individual's skin, the method comprisingthe steps of:storing a plurality of skin protection fluids having adifferent skin protection factor in a plurality of pressure containerssuch that each pressure container contains a distinct skin protectionfluid, each of said pressure containers comprising an outlet forpermitting a discharge of said skin protection fluid; connecting each ofsaid pressure containers containing said skin protection fluid to an aircompressor, the outlet of each of said pressure containers beingoperatively connected to an adjustable air pressure regulator forcontrolling a discharge air pressure from said air compressor and acontrol valve for controlling a flow of said skin protection fluid fromthe pressure container; fluidly connecting the flow control valve ofeach of said pressure containers to a single control nozzle having anadjustable orifice; selecting a skin protection fluid to be applied tothe individual's skin from said plurality of skin protection fluids ineach of said pressure containers; adjusting the air pressure regulatorof said pressure container containing said selected skin protectionfluid so as to provide a desired discharge air pressure based on atleast a viscosity of the selected skin protection fluid for dischargingsaid selected skin protection fluid; opening the control valve of saidpressure container containing said selected skin protection fluid topermit a discharge of said selected skin protection fluid; and applyingthe selected skin protection fluid on the individual through saidnozzle.
 2. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further stepof:adjusting a size of the orifice of said nozzle based on said desireddischarge air pressure and said selected skin protection fluid so as tocontrol a spraying of said selected skin protection fluid dischargedthrough said nozzle.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein saidorifice size is within a range of 0.040 to 0.110 cm.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said desired discharge air pressure iswithin a range of 15 to 60 psi.
 5. A method for selectively spraying avariety of skin protection fluids on an individual's skin, the methodcomprising the steps of:selecting a skin protection fluid to be sprayedonto an individual's skin from a variety of skin protection fluidshaving different skin protection factors and stored in a plurality ofpressure containers operatively connected to open/close valves;adjusting a discharge air pressure on the pressure container containingthe selected skin protection fluid based on at least a viscosity of theselected skin protection fluid; opening the open/close valve of only thepressure container containing the selected skin protection fluid topermit a discharge of the selected skin protection fluid through theopen/close valve; and using a nozzle having an adjustable orifice andfluidly connected to all of said open/close valves of the pressurecontainers to spray the selected skin protection fluid onto theindividual's skin.
 6. A method according to claim 5, comprising thefurther step of:adjusting an orifice size of said nozzle based on theadjusted discharge air pressure and the selected skin protection fluid.7. An apparatus for applying a variety of skin protection fluids on anindividual's skin, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of pressurecontainers, each one of said pressure containers containing a skinprotection fluid having a different skin protection factor each in therange of 2-45 and an outlet for discharging said skin protection fluid,each of said pressure containers being operatively connected to acontrol valve for controlling a flow of said skin protection fluid fromsaid pressure container; an air compressor operatively connected to eachof said pressure containers to provide a discharge pressure fordischarging said skin protection fluid from the pressure containerthrough said outlet; a single nozzle for applying the skin protectionfluid discharged from said pressure container to an individual's skin,said single nozzle having an adjustable orifice and being fluidlyconnected to each of said control valves of said pressure containers;and an adjustable pressure regulator operatively connected to each oneof said pressure containers for adjusting the discharge pressure fromsaid air compressor based on at least a viscosity of the skin protectionfluid selected to be discharged and applied to the individual's skin,wherein a size of said orifice of the nozzle is adjusted based on theselected discharge pressure and the selected skin protection fluid. 8.An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a frame forholding said air compressor and each of said pressure containerscontaining said skin protection fluids.
 9. An apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein said frame is a mobile frame having all-terrain tires.10. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said discharge pressureis in a range of 15 to 60 psi.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 7,wherein a size of said orifice is in a range of 0.040 to 0.110 cm.